Current News
FILM PREMIERE: "From Courtroom to Capital: Lincoln’s Path to the Presidency
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The public is invited to the premier of the new short film highlighting the people, places, and events on the 8th Judicial Circuit that prepared Abraham Lincoln for the national stage.
Looking for Lincoln Receives Award from the AASLH
Monday, September 15, 2025
The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is proud to be the recipient of the Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH) for our traveling exhibit, ‘Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad.’
Union Pacific Brings Lincoln Locomotive to Springfield, IL July 1
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Union Pacific will bring its Abraham Lincoln Locomotive to Springfield Illinois on July 1, to note the railroad’s 163rd birthday.
Regional Highlight
On July 29, 1858, Senator Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln met in the home of Francis Bryant, a friend of Stephen Douglas to discuss a plan for the now famous Lincoln-Douglas Debates. The meeting resulted in seven debates around the state of Illinois including: Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and Alton. You can visit Bryant Cottage in the town of Bement, Illinois and walk in Lincoln's footsteps.







